H.R.4275 - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.4275, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, is a comprehensive bill addressing various aspects of the Coast Guard, including appropriations, organization, authorities, acquisitions, personnel, shipping, navigation, oil pollution response, and sexual assault/harassment response. It aims to modernize and improve the Coast Guard's operations and capabilities. The bill also includes provisions related to autonomous maritime systems and American offshore workers' fairness.
Key provisions include authorizing appropriations for the Coast Guard through 2029, establishing the Secretary of the Coast Guard, modifying acquisition processes, and enhancing personnel policies. The bill also focuses on improving vessel safety, port security, and oil spill response capabilities.
Furthermore, the Act addresses sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard, aiming to improve reporting, response, and accountability. It mandates various reports and studies on Coast Guard operations and infrastructure.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to increased funding for the Coast Guard, potentially improving its operational readiness and ability to perform its various missions. The establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard could streamline decision-making and enhance the service's autonomy.
Changes to personnel policies, including family leave and direct hire authority, may improve recruitment and retention. Enhanced oversight and accountability measures, particularly regarding acquisitions and misconduct, could lead to more efficient and ethical operations.
New regulations and studies related to shipping, navigation, and autonomous systems could modernize maritime practices and address emerging challenges.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for Coast Guard operations and acquisitions, enhancing its ability to perform its missions.
- Streamlined organizational structure with the establishment of a Secretary of the Coast Guard.
- Improved personnel policies, such as family leave and direct hire authority, potentially boosting recruitment and retention.
- Enhanced oversight and accountability measures, leading to more efficient and ethical operations.
- Modernized maritime practices through regulations and studies related to shipping, navigation, and autonomous systems.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending, potentially contributing to budget deficits if not offset by other savings.
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies with the creation of new positions and offices.
- Possible resistance to changes in organizational structure and personnel policies from within the Coast Guard.
- Risk of unintended consequences from new regulations on shipping and navigation.
- The shift to new technologies and autonomous systems may displace some jobs in the maritime sector.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Article I, Section 8) by enhancing the Coast Guard's capabilities. It also aligns with the power of Congress to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18).
The emphasis on justice system fairness and individual rights aligns with the Fifth Amendment's due process clause. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional limitations.
However, the broad delegation of regulatory authority to the executive branch requires careful oversight to prevent potential abuses of power.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).